The Rock's AEW Comments Still Discussed Backstage in WWE

The Rock's recent public praise for AEW and its leader Tony Khan continues to be discussed backstage within WWE weeks after the comments were made.

The remarks came in a video tribute The Rock shared following the death of wrestler PAC, where he referred to Khan as a friend and described AEW as a promotion that is growing into a phenomenal wrestling company.

According to reports, some within WWE still feel the sting of those comments, though others understand that The Rock was motivated by a desire to honor PAC and support those who worked with him in AEW.

The Rock addressed the situation himself in early October, stating that when a wrestler passes away, he does not view it through the lens of competition between promotions and instead prioritizes humanity and concern for fellow wrestlers.

WWE officials were reportedly surprised by the praise for Khan and AEW but have not taken any action against The Rock, and the topic remains a point of conversation backstage.

Separately, The Rock did not appear at WWE's Hawaii tryouts and live events in mid-October despite initial advertising, with his name later removed from promotional materials.